Debatable first-round pick vindicates Clippers for selection with prestigious honor

Through the G-League, LA Clippers’ first round draft pick, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, did what most first-year pros out of his entire class could not: being selected to the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Game. He will be representing the Clippers without leaving the Intuit Dome.

This prestigious honor, the first of many under Niederhauser’s belt, calls for vindication. His age, to go with mobility and hand-eye coordination, raised a debate in the summer as to why the Clippers even drafted him.

But, in the preseason, it was clear he had been learning and working tirelessly behind the scenes, and when the Clippers needed a hand, he stepped up and exceeded any and all expectations.

Thus, the Penn State product deserves this honor, and so far, he is the only Clipper involved in an All-Star event, though he may be joined by Kawhi Leonard and/or James Harden.

Yanic Konan Niederhauser's selection to the Rising Stars Game has high implications.

The NBA is relatively accurate in selecting players for the Rising Stars Game who have actually shown promise. Along with Yanic Konan Niederhauser, some other well-known rookies in the mix via the G-League are Yang Hansen and Alijah Martin.

These guys certainly have a future in the NBA, and have proven themselves in increments, but because they have shredded competition with their professional affiliates, the league honored them specifically.

However, Niederhauser, in particular, has been a beast in the G-League and with the Clippers.

In 25 games, he has averaged 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds, shooting 66.0% from the floor, yet he recently had a perfect seven-for-seven, 16-point night against the Wizards, and dating back to the end of 2025, Clipper Nation remembers when he destroyed the Sacramento Kings with 16 points and six rebounds on 75% shooting.

In San Diego, only more from Niederhauser has been witnessed. He was a tenth of a rebound shy of a 14.9-point double-double, with a little over two blocks per game. Essentially, he was everywhere on both sides of the ball.

Additionally, Niederhauser, taking advantage of his minutes on the Clippers’ roster, saved LA from multiple losses. He made an impact, to a certain degree, that Tyronn Lue desperately needed.

That said, as the only Clippers’ draft pick since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to be nominated to the NBA’s rising stars roster, Niederhauser’s name holds distinct value in Inglewood, California. He was one of the best offseason additions, and justified that LA’s front office had their head on straight when drafting him.